This Place Lets You Discover Batanes-Like Views Just a Few Hours’ Drive Away From Manila

You don't have to fly all the way to Batanes to admire dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
by Cristina Morales | February 21, 2020

When Filipinos think of rolling hills, big waves crashing into pebble beaches, and dramatic cliffsides, Batanes is often the first thing that comes to mind. But not many people know about Mariveles, Bataan, which offers Batanes-like views just three hours away from Manila. Read on to find out where you can find Batanes-like views in Mariveles, Bataan.

 

Where to find amazing views in Mariveles, Bataan

1. Panoypoy Cove

 

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If you want to watch the large waves of the West Philippine Sea crashing into the cliffside, head over to Panoypoy Cove. The cove has a sandy beach flanked by rock formations, so if you’re not willing to hike up to the vista point, you can just stay on the shore and chill. (However, we do recommend that you make the trek, the view is worth the climb.)

The trek up Panoypoy Cove is relatively easy, but can be quite tiring — especially because there isn’t much tree cover, so you’re pretty much exposed to the elements. Make sure to bring enough water and sun protection. Once you’re up there, you’ll be rewarded by amazing views of the ocean and town.

How to commute to Panoypoy Cove (from Mariveles)

Take a bus bound for Mariveles. There is no public transportation going to Hawla, so you’ll have to hire a private tricycle service from Mariveles. To get to Panoypoy Cove, look for Hawla Beach or Claubel Beach Resort. This should cost you about P500 for a whole day tour.

 

2. Five Fingers Cove

 

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The Five Fingers Cove isn’t, in fact, a single cove, but a group of (you guessed it) five coves. These coves get their name from their birds-eye-view appearance — they look just like five fingers! Here, you can find beaches to camp on, lagoons and caves to swim in, and cliffs you can jump off of — perfect for adventurous groups of friends.

 

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How to commute to Five Fingers Cove

Take a bus bound for Mariveles. From the bus terminal in Mariveles, ride a tricycle or jeepney going to Barangay Balon (or Porto), which is the jump-off point for boats. The tricycle fare should be around P75 each. There, you can rent a boat to take you cove-hopping, though you might want to arrange a tour beforehand. Boats cost P2500 for day tours and P3500 for overnight.

 

2. Sisiman Bay

 

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Sisiman Bay is a favorite for couples taking their prenup shoots, and it’s easy to see why. Sisiman’s pebbly beach offers plenty of drama, and so does the nearby San Miguel Lighthouse and San Miguel Peak.

 

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How to get to Sisiman Bay

Take a bus bound for Mariveles, and tell the driver that you intend to get off at the BASECO Compound/ SSS Building in Mariveles. There, board a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the lighthouse. The tricycle should cost P60 each.

 

4. Tarak Ridge

 

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Tarak Ridge has long been a popular climb for Filipino mountain climbers. Known for its craggy, steep landscape that gave it its name (“Tarak” is a cross between “Tabak” [hunting knife] and “Tarik” [steep]), Tarak Ridge is classified as a major climb, with a difficulty level of 4/9 and a trail class of 3. While it’s possible to climb it in a day, it’s recommended to do a two-day hike and camp there overnight so you can fully enjoy the experience.

 

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How to get to Tarak Ridge

Take a bus bound for Balanga, Bataan. Then, take the mini-bus to Barangay Alas-asin. At Alas-asin, register at the Barangay Hall. There, you can hire a guide to go along with you on the trek.

 

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